MEPs to highlight plight of imprisoned Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny

The opening of the event, organised in the framework of the activities of the European Parliament’s Democracy Support and Election Coordination Group together with Mr Navalny’s Anti-Corruption Foundation, will be presided over by European Parliament Vice-President Heidi Hautala (The Greens/EFA, Finland), Tomas Tobé (EPP, Sweden), Chair of the Development Committee and Udo Bullmann (S&D, Germany), Chair of the Subcommittee on Human Rights. The public will be able to visit the full-scale replica of Alexei Navalny’s prison cell in front of the Station Europe building on Place du Luxembourg next to the European Parliament in Brussels.

The event is meant to draw attention to the inhumane jail conditions in which the Russian anti-corruption activist is being held as well as to inform the public about the current repression of the political opposition and dissenting voices in Russia.

As part of the “Free Navalny” campaign, the jail cell replica has already passed through other European cities, including Berlin, Paris and Geneva on its tour, with Brussels being the next stop.

WHEN: Tuesday 27 June at 10.30 CEST.

WHERE: In front of the Station Europe building on Place du Luxembourg in Brussels (opening).

The public will be able to visit the jail cell replica in Brussels from 26 to 30 June 2023.

Background

One of the most vociferous critics of Russian President Vladimir Putin, Mr Navalny is currently serving a nine-year prison term on politically motivated charges for parole violations, fraud and contempt of court in a penal colony in the Vladimir region east of Moscow. He is also undergoing a new trial, which, if convicted, could see him serve a considerably longer sentence.

In 2021, the Russian opposition leader was awarded the European Parliament’s Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought. MEPs have also, in several resolutions, called for Mr Navalny’s immediate release and expressed their grave concerns about Russia’s violations of its international commitments in the area of fundamental freedoms, human rights and the rule of law.